Beyond Gulmarg & Pahalgam: Kashmir’s Hidden Gems Emerge as Tourist Magnets
Travellers flock to offbeat destinations in search of pristine landscapes, authentic village life and crowd-free holidays
Bangus, Gurez, Doodhpathri, Chatpal and Warwan lead Kashmir’s new tourism wave, boosting local livelihoods
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Kashmir’s tourism map is rapidly expanding beyond its iconic destinations, with a growing number of travellers choosing the Valley’s lesser-known and relatively untouched landscapes over the traditional tourist circuit. From lush alpine meadows and dense forests to remote valleys and crystal-clear streams, these once-overlooked destinations are witnessing an unprecedented surge in footfall, signalling a shift in travel preferences.
While Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg continue to remain the Valley’s biggest attractions, destinations such as Bangus Valley in Kupwara, Gurez Valley in Bandipora, Doodhpathri in Budgam, Yousmarg, Aharbal, Lolab Valley, Chatpal, Warwan Valley, Daksum, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Aru Valley, Tarsar-Marsar, Kousarnag and Tulail Valley are steadily emerging as the new favourites among domestic tourists, trekkers, photographers and adventure enthusiasts.
Unlike the bustling tourist hubs, these offbeat destinations offer visitors an opportunity to experience Kashmir in its purest form—rolling meadows, untouched forests, glacial rivers, traditional villages and a slower pace of life. Social media has further amplified their popularity, with stunning visuals shared by travel bloggers and vloggers inspiring thousands to venture beyond the conventional itinerary.
“There has been a visible change in tourist behaviour over the last two years. Visitors are increasingly asking for destinations that are less crowded and closer to nature. They want immersive experiences rather than just sightseeing,” said Director Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob Farooq.
According to tourism officials, improved road connectivity, better mobile connectivity in several remote areas, enhanced security and sustained promotional campaigns have played a significant role in opening up these destinations to visitors. Adventure tourism activities, including trekking, camping, mountain biking and nature walks, have also gained popularity, attracting younger travellers.
“The response has been overwhelming. Many tourists who have already visited Gulmarg and Pahalgam are now exploring places like Bangus, Gurez and Chatpal. These destinations offer unmatched natural beauty and a sense of tranquillity that is becoming increasingly rare,” said a senior Tourism Department official.
The tourism boom has also begun transforming the local economy. Villagers who once depended solely on farming and livestock are now earning through homestays, guided treks, transport services, pony rides, camping facilities and the sale of local handicrafts and traditional cuisine.
“Earlier, only a handful of visitors would come during the summer. This year, almost every week we receive tourists from different parts of the country. Many stay in our homestays and spend time interacting with local families,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a homestay owner in Gurez Valley.
Similarly, residents of Bangus, Chatpal and Warwan say tourism has opened new avenues of income for young people, reducing migration and encouraging entrepreneurship in remote villages.
“Tourists today are looking for experiences rather than destinations. They want to wake up in a village, walk through forests, listen to rivers and experience local culture. Kashmir’s hidden gems are perfectly suited for this new trend,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a Srinagar-based tour operator.
However, experts caution that the increasing popularity of these ecologically sensitive destinations must be accompanied by sustainable planning. They have called for regulated tourism, scientific waste management, eco-friendly infrastructure and responsible visitor behaviour to ensure that the pristine beauty of these fragile landscapes remains intact for generations to come.
With tourist preferences shifting towards nature-based and experiential travel, Kashmir’s hidden valleys and untouched meadows are no longer hidden. They are steadily becoming the Valley’s next big tourism success story while offering a new lease of life to remote communities.
